The Essentials
How do I start therapy?
The first step is entirely up to you and how you feel most comfortable.
If you’re ready to begin, you can book your initial session directly through my online booking system. If you’d prefer to connect and hear my voice first, I offer a free 10-minute introductory call to talk things over—this can also be scheduled through the booking system.
Alternatively, if you have a specific question, you can reach out via the contact form at the bottom of this page, or send me a message on WhatsApp. I’m here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
A note on timing: Our first meeting is a 90-minute session to give us the space we need to truly connect and understand your story. Following that, our regular therapy sessions are 50 minutes.
What happens in the 10 minute introductory call?
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist; the introductory call is a low-pressure opportunity for us to see if we’re the right fit for each other. If you’re feeling anxious about a first meeting or unsure of what to expect, this call is a gentle way to start.
It is by no means a requirement; it is purely there for your convenience and peace of mind. On the call, we’ll chat briefly about what brings you to therapy, and you’ll have the chance to ask me anything about how I work. There is no pressure to book a session afterwards—this is simply a space for you to decide what feels right for you.
Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral from a GP to work with me. You can simply reach out and book a session whenever you feel ready.
While many people are used to the ‘Mental Health Care Plan’ system, working privately means you don’t need a formal diagnosis or a doctor’s letter to access support. This allows us to start quickly, without the need for extra paperwork or waiting lists.
It also creates a safe space for those who want to explore therapy for reasons that don’t require a clinical diagnosis—such as feeling ‘stuck,’ navigating a difficult life transition, or managing the weight of low mood and anxiety.
Can I use Private Health Insurance or have my employer pay?
At this stage, I am unable to process claims for Private Health Insurance or EAP (Employee Assistance Programs). I am working toward the specific registration levels required for these, but in the meantime, I focus on providing an accessible Carer Rate to help bridge that gap.
However, some workplaces are happy to fund therapy sessions directly for their employees regardless of insurance status. If your employer has agreed to cover your sessions, I am more than happy to provide an invoice for them to pay or for you to seek reimbursement from them directly.
Do you offer in-person therapy?
Currently, my practice is fully online via secure video link. This allows me to support people across the country and offers you the flexibility to connect from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
However, I am in the process of looking for a local physical space to offer in-person sessions in the future. If meeting in person is something you would prefer, please let me know—I am happy to keep your details on file and reach out as soon as a physical venue becomes available.
I’ve never done online therapy before – what’s it like?
It can feel a little different at first, but most people find that being in their own comfortable space—with a cup of tea and the emotional safety of their own surroundings—actually helps them open up. I use a secure, encrypted video platform (Google Meet) that is very simple to use; just one click and we’re connected.
Online therapy removes barriers for those who find it difficult to commute, leave loved ones, or are housebound. On my side of the screen, you’ll be greeted by me in my private, confidential office—usually with a background of plants I’m trying to nurse back to life!
Why do you focus so much on Carers?
While I work with individuals from all walks of life, much of my career has been dedicated to supporting those in caring roles. I have seen firsthand how heavily society relies on carers without providing adequate support or acknowledging the true weight of the load they carry.
My focus is to ensure that the people doing the heavy lifting in our community have a dedicated space where the focus is entirely on them. Here, you are the priority—not the provider.
How do I access the reduced rate for Carers?
No complicated forms or proof are needed. If you identify as a primary carer—whether you are looking after a family member, a child with extra needs, or a parent—this rate is for you. Simply let me know during our intro call or via email, and I will apply the $150 rate to your ongoing sessions.
Alternatively, you can select the ‘Carer Reduced Rate’ option directly through my online booking system.
A note on our first meeting: To give us the space we need to truly connect and establish our therapeutic relationship, I hold an initial 90-minute session for all new clients. For carers, this is reduced to $265. This longer first session ensures we don’t have to rush through your story.
What’s your cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours’ notice for all cancellations or rescheduling. Because I hold your session time specifically for you, sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours’ notice (or ‘no-shows’) will be charged at the full session fee. To see my full cancellation policy, please click here.
For Carers: > I understand that caring roles can involve sudden crises or medical emergencies that are truly out of your control. If an urgent, last-minute situation arises regarding your caring responsibilities, please contact me as soon as you safely can. While the cancellation fee generally applies, I am always open to a conversation about your specific situation to see how we can best navigate it together.
What happens if I’m running late?
Life happens! If you’re running a few minutes behind, please just send me a quick text or WhatsApp to let me know.
If I haven’t seen you in our digital space after 10 minutes, I will send you a gentle message or give you a quick call to check in. If I haven’t heard from you after 15 minutes, I will assume you’re unable to make it and will close the meeting room.
If you do manage to hop online later than that, I am more than happy to jump back on and use whatever time we have left together—just send me a message first so I know to log back in. Please note that sessions are still charged at the full rate if you are late or unable to attend, as that time has been set aside specifically for you.
What if I don’t know what to talk about or where to start?
Please don’t feel you need to come with an agenda or a ‘to-do’ list. For many of us—especially carers—we are so used to focusing on everyone else’s needs that having the spotlight on ourselves can feel a bit intimidating or even overwhelming at first. That’s ok – we’ll work through it together. The whole point of therapy is that you’re not alone in these feelings anymore.
In our sessions, there is no pressure to be ‘interesting’ or have it all figured out. We can start exactly where you are—even if that’s just feeling tired or unsure. I’m here to help you untangle the threads, and sometimes the most breakthrough moments happen in the spaces where we just allow ourselves to ‘be’ without a script. We’ll find the way together, at your pace.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
There is no ‘right’ answer here. Some people find that 6–10 sessions give them the tools they need to navigate a specific challenge, while others prefer ongoing, long-term support to process life’s deeper transitions.
We will check in regularly to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need from our time together. I also find that many people like to take a break and ‘dip’ back into therapy when life gets a little heavier; that is perfectly fine, too. This is your space, and it’s here to work for you—however that looks.
You mention a ‘female-empowered’ and ‘socially conscious’ approach. Does that mean you only see women?
Not at all. While my work is deeply rooted in empowering women and carers, I believe these values are universal. We are all—regardless of gender—navigating a world that hands us scripts about how we should act, how much we should produce, and whose needs should come first.
By questioning these societal expectations and the toxic pressure to be everything to everyone, we can all find more room to breathe. Whether you identify as a man, woman, or non-binary, this approach is about helping you strip away those external ‘shoulds’ to find more emotional freedom and a version of authenticity that actually feels like yours.
Technical FAQs
I’m not very ‘tech-savvy’—is it hard to join the session?
Not at all. You don’t need to download any complicated software or create an account. I will email you a unique link for Google Meet before our session; you simply click it on your phone, tablet, or computer, and it opens right in your web browser. If you can click a link, you can do therapy with me.
Is our conversation private and secure?
Absolutely. I use a professional, healthcare-grade video platform that is fully encrypted and Australian privacy law (Privacy Act 1988) compliant. Unlike standard video apps, our data is never recorded or stored. It is a digital ‘locked door’.
What if my internet cuts out or the screen freezes?
Technology is human-made, which means it’s occasionally temperamental! If we get disconnected, I will wait 30 seconds for you to try the link again. If that fails, I’ll call your mobile immediately so we can finish our session over the phone. You’ll never be left “hanging” in a difficult moment.
What if I don’t have a perfectly quiet or private space. How do I ensure privacy?
This is a common hurdle for carers and those in busy households! Please don’t feel you need a ‘perfect’ office setup to talk with me.
Many of my clients find that wearing headphones helps create a ‘private bubble’ and ensures our conversation stays between us. Others join sessions from their parked car—a great, soundproof ‘mobile office’—to ensure they won’t be interrupted. I’ve even had clients go for a walk while we speak.
If a child, a pet, or a housemate wanders into the frame, we simply acknowledge it and move on. I am more interested in connecting with you than in you having a pristine, silent background.
Any other questions? Message me!
You might have more questions, or maybe you’d like further clarification. Please don’t hesitate to contact me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
0478 116683
katie@katieharriscounselling.com
Katie Harris Counselling 